Re: I have more Headroom with my SE84CS vs my CKC?Reply #15 - 08/29/13 at 18:17:02

Well crap, I didn't know this:

"NOTE: the Original Sveltana SV83 which is no longer available is not to be confused with the garb that BOI or The Tube Store in Canada are tryng to pass off as the original. It is a horrible Knock-off and Steve warned against it back in 2005."

I wonder if Steve revoiced my original Zen-A with these new tubes or if I need to try and track down some original Svetlana SV83. I really believe those tubes were something special.

Re: I have more Headroom with my SE84CS vs my CKC?Reply #16 - 10/11/13 at 11:08:15

no , I think I would just stick with the 6p15ev's, going back and forth the CKC (superzen) is the best of the zen's, with the c+,being second, however I could probably take the oldest Zen amp I have and go into any stereo shop and it would hold it's own or better any amp there. I have a whole slew of EL84's if you care to try them . they just don't sound as good as the 6p15ev. Spent a lot of money rolling tubes in the zen, as have others on this site,and I'm sure they will tell you also stick with the tubes Steve sends with the amp. You'll save enough money to have a new Zen amp.

no , I think I would just stick with the 6p15ev's, going back and forth the CKC (superzen) is the best of the zen's, with the c+,being second, however I could probably take the oldest Zen amp I have and go into any stereo shop and it would hold it's own or better any amp there. I have a whole slew of EL84's if you care to try them . they just don't sound as good as the 6p15ev. Spent a lot of money rolling tubes in the zen, as have others on this site,and I'm sure they will tell you also stick with the tubes Steve sends with the amp. You'll save enough money to have a new Zen amp.

EL84s are interesting in these amps, lending a more "vintage" sound (my take/impressions). Listening to a cryo'd pair of JJs right now in my modded C amp. Makes it seem more like an lp session in comparison to the 6P15EV tubes: narrower stereo separation, bit less top, nice resonance.